Clean This One Sensor to Receive an Instant MPG Boost

Mar 13, 2023

It takes a little work, but it'll be worthwhile. But, if you don't have the tools, there are other ways you can boost your MPG.

With gas prices that don't seem to want to slow down, our bank accounts are suffering. While a newer car would resolve this issue, many of us don't have the luxury of purchasing another vehicle. Luckily, a few tricks can help you maximize the MPG on your current vehicle.

Most modern cars come with lots of technology and sensors that contribute to how well your engine performs. Because of this, faulty sensors may lead to poor performance overall, which can drastically impact your poor fuel economy. One of these sensors on your vehicle is a key component in your fuel injection system, which is your mass airflow (MAF) sensor.

The MAF sensor is responsible for measuring how much air enters your engine. Given that engines need air, spark, and fuel to properly run, this is an important component.

The mass air flow sensor is a delicate piece of equipment. Cleaning this should only be done with a MAF sensor cleaning solution or an alternative that is safe for electronic use. MAF sensors are generally located near your throttle body and intake manifold and need some disassembly to access them. Simply disconnect the harness running to the MAF sensor and continue to proceed with the disassembly process.

Cleaning your MAF sensor will likely require you to remove your air filter. Removing your air filter is a common procedure and isn't very difficult. The air filter box is commonly held with clips that release quickly and easily if needed. Since the process will require you to remove your air filter, inspecting and replacing it while you're at it wouldn't be the worst idea.

Once you've gained access to your MAF sensor, spray MAF sensor cleaner onto your MAF sensor. MAF sensors are commonly covered in debris that can impact how the sensor reads information. You can be generous with the cleaner, as it dries extremely quickly. Ensure that the entire sensor has been sprayed and cleaned for the best results.

After you are satisfied with your work, reassemble your air box assembly and any other components you may have removed. Lastly, don't forget to plug in the harness to the MAF sensor, so it can properly function.

After you have done the hard work of cleaning your MAF sensor, there are a few more methods you can use to maximize your MPG. These tips require little to no effort and can yield excellent results.

Having enough tire pressure will be beneficial to the longevity of your tires and your MPG. Running deflated tires requires more power to spin them, and vice versa. Remember to regularly check the condition of your tires and get them replaced if they're looking thin.

Proper tire pressure is important to maximize your MPG, but so is proper tire alignment. If your wheels aren't all facing the same direction due to an improper alignment, your tires will be fighting against each other, making it harder for the car to roll.

Finding cheap gas is just as important as maximizing your MPGs. With the help of finding the cheapest gas stations around you, you can save a few extra bucks here and there.

If you've completed everything above, your driving habits are the last resort to maximize your MPG. Be gentle when accelerating, as it can drastically improve your MPG.

Anyone can benefit from utilizing the tips mentioned above. These simple tricks can truly maximize the money in your wallet during these times of inflated gas prices. From cleaning your MAF sensor to simply inflating your tires, there's more than one way to increase your MPG.

Based on the East Coast, Joshua Ko has been an automotive writer for MakeUseOf for over a year and is a die-hard European car enthusiast. He primarily covers car tips and tricks and DIYs. After graduating from the Pennsylvania State University, he spends most of his time outdoors, writing, or in the garage.